Innovation in HIV programming

In November 2012, the MAC AIDS Fund provided UNICEF funding for a two-year project to improve and scale up access to HIV testing, treatment and care among children and adolescents. The project was extended through 2016 to link HIV testing to follow-up treatment and support services particularly among 13-to19-year-olds living with HIV, as well as adolescents at highest risk for HIV infection (e.g. girls, those who inject drugs, adolescent males who have sex with other males, transgender individuals, and adolescents who sell sex or are exploited).

The partnership has supported activities in Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Thailand and Ukraine. In Brazil, for example, new mobile health units are bringing HIV tests directly to adolescents and young people. And in India, where clients might otherwise be forced to travel up to 500 kilometres (310 miles) to see a specialist, video conferencing offers remote diagnosis and treatment.